Description
This Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender, juicy chicken thighs simmered in a luscious honey mustard cream sauce. The chicken is first seared to lock in juices and add a crispy texture before being slow-cooked to perfection in a rich sauce made with Dijon mustard, honey, cream, and fresh rosemary. It’s an easy, hands-off recipe ideal for busy days, delivering a perfect blend of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Sauce
- ⅓ cup Dijon mustard
- ⅓ cup honey
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 2 teaspoons snipped fresh rosemary
Thickening Slurry
- 3 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions
- Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pan over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and allow it to heat until it becomes shiny, about 1-2 minutes. This prepares the pan for searing the chicken and ensures even cooking.
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken thighs generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. This step is crucial for developing depth of flavor in the chicken.
- Sear the Chicken: Swirl the heated olive oil to coat the pan evenly. Place the chicken thighs skin side down into the pan and cook until the skin is golden brown and releases easily, about 4-5 minutes. This locks in the chicken’s juices and adds a delightful texture.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the slow cooker bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, heavy cream, softened cream cheese, and fresh rosemary until smooth and well combined, forming a rich and tangy sauce base.
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Nestle the seared chicken thighs into the crockpot over the prepared sauce. Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 5-6 hours until the chicken is tender and thoroughly cooked.
- Thicken the Sauce: Once the chicken is done, remove it to a platter. In a small bowl, whisk together water and cornstarch to create a slurry. Drizzle the slurry into the crockpot sauce and whisk well. Return the chicken to the crockpot, cover, and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.
- Serve: Brush or spoon the thickened honey mustard sauce over the chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired. Serve immediately for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Notes
- The calories shown are based on 4 servings, with each serving representing a quarter of the chicken and sauce.
- Different brands and ingredient types may affect the nutritional values; these numbers are estimates.
- For precise dietary needs, consult a registered nutritionist or dietitian.
- To enhance flavor, you may marinate the chicken with seasoning for 30 minutes before searing.
- Fresh rosemary can be substituted with dried rosemary if needed; use about 1 teaspoon dried.
Keywords: slow cooker chicken, honey mustard chicken, creamy chicken thighs, easy slow cooker recipe, crockpot chicken, comfort food, dinner recipe